Saturday, July 06, 2019

It’s been a long time but here I am.  Retired now so I guess I have no excuse but to start posting again.  We will see.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Saturday, January 01, 2011

New Years Eve Day-5


New Years Eve Day-5
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
I am a cat. I don't understand what is going on with New Year's Eve and humans. It's just another day like any other day to me. Same routine. Although I did score one of my 'special' salmon dinners last night but that isn't such a rare occurrence really.

So, am I expected to make a resolution? Well, how about this? I resolve to be even more superior to these humans and take over this household.

Beijing the Cat!

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Fatima and Imam Feisal Adbdul Rauf

For Halloween and our friends' (Peter & Freda) party, Dave and I dressed as a Muslim couple. It was done in fun but I also hope that our appearance provided some fodder for thought.

1) In Canada we really do have the right to express ourselves. Well at least our charter of rights says we do. In actuality, the Canadian, Ontario, and B.C. Human Rights Commissions don't agree. For instance, if a Muslim took off offense at our costumes they could submit a complaint to one of the commissions and we could be brought under investigation requiring us to hire legal representation. Yes, we would be presumed guilty. This in itself is contrary to our rights as Canadians. For a better understanding of the subject I highly recommend you view http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=27268 and read Mark Steyn's book 'Shakedown'.

2) Dave's costume was Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf who is the New York Imam wanting to install a mosque near ground zero. I was dressed as his concubine. Yes, Muslim men do have wives and multiple partners.

3) Wearing the head scarf was a strange feeling. Greeting people with only my eyes, them unable to see the expression on my face. I was only wearing a sheer scarf and found it hot and restrictive. I can't imagine what full veil or burka feels like, while walking behind a man who is able to dress anyway he likes.

4) There are Muslim women being stoned to death for suspicion of inappropriate behaviour of many types including being unfaithful to their spouse. Why are there not more of us 'enlightened' western women fighting for them? I was encouraged to hear Laureen Harper (wife of PM) and Heather Reisman (Chapters/Indigo) speak out. Their letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, released Wednesday, said that Laureen Harper and Reisman are "deeply troubled by the flagrant disregard of women's rights in Iran," specifically citing the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who is facing execution.

The letter says "the most recent and public case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani is an affront to any sense of moral or human decency and is symbolic of the plight of Iranian women."

Why aren't more of us taking up the cause? Where have all the women's libbers of the 70's gone? Was it only about burning our bras and fighting for equal pay?

Food for thought.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Portelance Cottage 2010

While sitting and catching up with our friends on their deck overlooking Lac Simon, this little hummingbird came to visit. It took a few tries but I eventually got this one shot of him in the air. I also managed to snap a couple of him resting on a branch. So cute!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Max and Whitney


Max and Whitney
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
Sadly I had to say goodbye to both my dogs this year. Max in the foreground died on Easter weekend. Whitney show behind him, died on Monday, August 23rd.

I miss them both terribly. I haven't been without a dog in 25 years and the feeling does not sit well with me. There is something missing in my house that our cat Beijing just can't fulfill.

RIP Max and Whitney. At least you are together again.

Friday, July 30, 2010

You can't hide


You can't hide
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
Whitney continues to play hard to get and Beijing presses on with her advances. I think the time will come when we will get to observe the two of them sharing a bed. But for now, this is pretty good.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

My Christmas Elf


Dave (1 of 1)
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
Need I say more?

Friday, January 01, 2010

Grace Gymnastics (10 of 20)


Grace Gymnastics (10 of 20)
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
It is so hard to believe that our precious little Gracie is now 17 months old. Her other grandparents take her to gymnastics every Tuesday and I had the opportunity to fill in for them. I found it hilarious to see our little girl who has just learned to walk enjoying herself and trying so many new things. I do wonder about the wisdom of teaching toddlers to climb though.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Grace is home


Grace is home
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
At 5 weeks early and a very difficult delivery for my poor daughter-in-law, Grace Elizabeth has arrived.

Thankfully she was a healthy 6lbs 11oz and only needed to be in the Special Care unit for a short time before going home with her proud new parents.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Just 1 year later

Well God and Mother Nature are working on our side again. Erin and Kelly are expecting and all is looking good for an ETA of September 20th. After a bit of a rough start Kelly is feeling fine and our baby girl is growing rapidly.

On Sunday I am hosting a baby shower for all involved and look forward to every moment.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Kelly


Kelly
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
This very special woman married my son last year. It was a whirlwind romance that everyone dreams of. It turns out that my son is a romantic and even asked her parents for permission to marry. The wedding was in Feb 2006 and all has been wonderful since then. They purchased a house in January that is currently being built with a move in date scheduled for the end of Sept 2007.

She being a very organized and 'list making' kind of girl was ready to move onto the next item on their list. A baby! Now here is where mother nature over rules the list makers. When my daughter-in-law went for a check up prior to putting the check mark against the list, she was told that the tests had detected abnormal cells and will require surgery. All the logical reasoning and reassurances and success stories for this type of thing just don't rule out the fear that we all are feeling. For her and my son, both with their biological clocks ticking, it is a hugely emotional and spiritual challenge for them.

If it is possible for them to be closer to each other, or stronger in their relationship, I don't know. All I do know is that things are in God's hands tomorrow and he will be guiding the surgeon to make sure that there are babies in our future.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Dave, Max and Whitney


Dave, Max and Whitney
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
These three make up my life. Each provides me with love and support in their own special ways. Wet noses, wagging tails, hugs and kisses. I'll let you figure out who gives what.

And this trio is rounded out by my daughter and my grandchildren, my two sons, my daughter-in-law, my sister and brother-in-law, and my mother and father.

And if that is not enough, all of my wonderful, loyal friends.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Such a HAM


Such a HAM
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
When I first got my digital camera Whitney used to run and hide. It made beeping noises that really upset her. Even after I turned the sounds off, she didn't like the sound of the lens auto focusing. She would run and hide under the table.

However, she seems to have overcome her fears. In fact, as I have been spending a lot of time practising with my camera for my new vocation, she follows me around until I will take her picture.

Too cute.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Tools


Tools
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
There was a time when a collection of pens and pencils on ones desk was critical. Various colours for various jobs. Different styles of inks. Different pencil leads. Now I can go all day and never actually write a thing. I guess the only exception would be my daily crossword and sudoku.

I use my keyboards almost exclusively now. Laptop goes with me to the other rooms of the house. Desktop is the work horse in my office. I love the efficiency and speed of my keyboard skills however I do miss writing.

I think it may be a 'girl' thing. I remember each new school year how wonderful it felt to open up a fresh notebook. I would start the page by neatly writing the date at the top. I hated if I made an error or if my handwriting was a little shaky. I would even decide at the beginning of the year what style of handwriting I would use. Standard cursive slant or straight up and down, or even a reverse slant.

On the topic of handwriting I have noticed that all the women in my family, including my birth daughter whom I did not raise, have very similar hand. My mother, sister, daughter and myself. Kind of eerie I think.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Behind in my reading


Behind in my reading
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
One would think that with my recent transition to unemployment that I would have had more time to read. I am spending much of my time learning the day trading thing as mentioned in a previous post. I'm not doing very well at that. Additionally, I spend much time scouring sites for jobs and submitting my resume on-line. Thank goodness for technology as I only have to leave the house in this cold when I actually get a face to face interview. Remember the old days when you had to travel to each company and submit your paper resume in person?

The rest of the time I play around with my camera a little, and check out what my Flickr friends have posted and then hit the kitchen for our evening meal. This of course only leaves the evenings to read. I don't watch much TV other than hockey and 24 so there should be plenty of time. However, unless the book is particularly gripping, tiredness takes over and I head to bed.

Tonight is bookclub night when we will review that last monster of 832 pages. I'm willing to bet that I am one of the few who actually read the entire book. It is my turn to select our next book so I am considering The Good Earth by Pearl S. Book. I understand it is a classic but I myself have never read it. I will take a few days to get into it before I decide if it is appropriate for our members. And if it is not...... I'll have lots to choose from after my shopping accident at Indigo!

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Foreboding Sky


Playing around
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
I touched this up a little but I think it reflects how I feel. I am still feely rather fragile and vulnerable after last Friday's fiasco day trading. It was a very expensive day and I can't quite put it behind me yet. I worked long and hard for that money and to have it just go out the window because of a software fairlure really hurts. I'll take the rest of the week off and try and restart next week with some level of confidence. Wish me luck.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Struggling today

I think I have reached a point of boredom. In some ways I enjoy not working but in other ways I am really missing it. I think if I had decided to, and financially could, retire then I would be easily able to find things to stimulate and entertain. I could take courses, I could join clubs, I could volunteer. However, because I still need to find a way to create an income I feel guilty filling the downtime. So, instead, I sit here staring at my computer, surfing through useless job postings. Or I concentrate on learning more about day trading and swing trading. But that too can be boring.

At times I feel the urge to write. If only I knew about what and for whom. Is this blog itself just for me? Or am I expecting that it someday may be read by many or even a few. I don't know.

I feel lost.

Monday, January 08, 2007

832 Pages


832 Pages
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.
Go ahead and argue the point. I found this book to be painfully slow in grabbing my attention. In fact it took about 150 pages before I felt that I wasn't forcing myself to read on. Once in though, it was very interesting and enjoyable. Unfortunately it again lost my interest towards the end.

I did forge on however as this is our current book club choice but I am glad that I can now move onto one of the many other books on my shelf waiting to entertain me.